Commissary Fire Update (Santa Fe National Forest)

Summary: Fire managers on the lightning-caused Commissary Fire on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District took advantage of the drier weather yesterday and strengthened the western perimeter along Forest Road 66, burning 150 acres. With wetter conditions forecasted today, crews will continue chipping and piling operations around the perimeter today.

The Commissary Fire is located 13 miles east of Pecos, NM, and two miles south of Barillas Peak. Fire managers have been managing the fire for resource objectives, including improving wildlife and range habitat, encouraging regeneration of aspen, and improving watershed and overall forest health.

Although the fire is producing minimal smoke, people with respiratory problems and smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Environment Department’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.

Public recreational areas on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District are not affected by the Commissary Fire and are open. Although there are no road closures around the fire, the public is asked to avoid recreational activities in the areas around Barillas Peak and Forest Roads 66 and 83. There are currently no fire restrictions in place for the holiday weekend; however, visitors are reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on national forest lands.

Road Advisories: Public traffic is highly discouraged on Forest Roads 83 and 66 due to heavy firefighter traffic and narrow road conditions. Caution is also advised while driving from lower Colonias north on Forest Road 83.